Massachusetts Top Ten Wheelchair Accessible Attractions

One of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts has been a hotbed of American history. Besides its storied past, Massachusetts has a little bit of everything to offer, from the beaches of Cape Cod to the western Berkshire Mountains. And of course, many exhilarating wheelchair accessible attractions!

Boston Duck Tours, Boston

Board the WWII-style amphibious landing vehicle, the "DUCK", for a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Boston! Your tour guide, referred to as a ConDUCKtor, will narrate your tour and inform you of unique and fun facts about famous landmarks. You'll cruise through sites like the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill, TD Banknorth Garden, Copley Square, fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market, the Prudential Tower, and many other interesting locales! The DUCK will then convert from a street vehicle into a water vehicle to ease into the Charles River, where you'll see breathtaking views of Boston and Cambridge skylines!

Each DUCK is equipped for as many as two wheelchairs strapped onto the back deck. Wheelchairs, along with one guest in your party, are boarded first. You also have the option to transfer from your wheelchair to one of the seats on the DUCK. Just make sure to inform a guest service representative that you will need these services while purchasing tickets.

Worcester Art Museum, Worcester

You'll be shocked and awed by the exquisite collection of fine art housed in the Worcester Art Museum. On display are artworks from ancient Asian and Greco-Roman eras, to some of the most well-known masters like El Greco, Gauguin, Monet, and Whistler. If you work up an appetite, you can grab a bite to eat at the Museum Cafe and dine inside or in the delightful outdoor courtyard.

For barrier-free access to the Worcester Art Museum, park in the Tuckerman Street lot and enter at the Stoddard Garden Court--you'll then follow the pathway to the outdoor café and enter the Museum via the ramp on the right. There are also wheelchairs available for rent.

The Butterfly Place, Westford

Go to the Butterfly Place to see magnificent New England and tropical butterflies from all over the world! You'll also see koi fish, quail, and other interesting creatures. Watch a video that explains the butterfly life cycle and explore exhibits where you can view eggs, caterpillars, cocoons, and chrysalides. You can even pick up a Butterfly Hatching Kit so you can release your own butterfly or moth at home!

All areas of the Butterfly Place are handicap accessible, and accessible parking is available for wheelchair vehicles.

CAPEable Adventures, Sanwich

CAPEable was designed for those with disabilities and offers sports rehabilitation programs. Activities include water sports, cycling, skiing, curling, fitness, and special sports events. Enhance your adventure to the Cape with access to adaptive equipment and trainers who will teach you how to work the devices. The entire family can enjoy outdoor activities together and soak up the natural beauty of Massachusetts!

Visit CAPEable's website for more information.

Harvard Yard Tour, Cambridge

The tour is student-led and takes place outside and through the magnificent Harvard Yard. You'll learn the history of the prestigious university, general information, and about your guide's individual experience at the school. The tour lasts about 1 hour and is free!

If your group consists of more than 15 people, a reservation is required. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available with a week's notice.

Ironstone Farm, Andover

Experience a unique therapeutic activity at Ironstone Farm. The farm uses horses to enhance your movement, inspire strength, hope, courage, and, of course, assure you have a fantastic time! There are more than 20 licensed instructors and therapists employed at the farm and 35 program horses. Not only will you get to enjoy the horses, you'll also have exquisite views of pastures, woodland, and ponds spanning over 14 acres.

The Ironstone Farm serves more than 480 individuals weekly and offers programs for many different disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and many more. Visit their website for more information.

Dr. Seuss National Memorial, Springfield

Visit Springfield, Massachusetts, Theodor Seuss Geisel's birthplace, to explore the Dr. Suess National Memorial Sculpture Garden. Dr. Seuss's step-daughter created the sculptures of his most beloved characters. You'll see a sculpture of Dr. Suess at his drawing board with the Cat in the Hat at his side, a 14-foot Horton the Elephant stepping out of a book with Thing One, Thing Two, Sam-I-Am, The Lorax, and lots of other creative creatures! Don't pass up the chance to hang out with some of Dr. Seuss's most adorable characters!

The memorial is wheelchair accessible with concrete paths.

Witch Walk, Salem

If you find the mystery of witchery alluring, you'll love the Witch Walk. The tour is led by real Salem witches who'll inform you of the truth behind their ancient practices, and all about the Witchcraft trials of 1692. You'll visit enchanted sites and partake in a ritual among America's oldest graveyards. Explore one of the country's most bewitching seaports and learn all there is to know about the somewhat misunderstood witches of today and the past! Afterwards, you'll receive a magic crystal blessed by a Salem Witch!

The tour is wheelchair accessible.

F1 Boston, Boston

Get ready to satisfy your need for speed at F1's ultimate indoor kart racing! F1 has two European-style tracks--the tracks feature different sharp turns, a corkscrew, tunnel, rolling hills, and off-camber corners! You'll race against other drivers and be scored by a computerized timing system, or you can race against yourself in a private session.

F1 has karts with full hand controls--you'll need to have full hand strength. There are different set-ups depending on the abilities and upper-body strength of the driver. You'll definitely want to call in advance so the kart can be prepared. They will allow you to go out on the track alone for the first time to make sure you are comfortable in the kart.

Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton

The 22-acre campus isn't just packed full of brilliant art and craft works--it's also surrounded by 700 acres of beautiful woodland and architectural landscape. You'll see contemporary craft-based art from a variety of mediums with interchanging exhibits. The award-winning facility features a sculpture garden, courtyards, and a nature trail.

The Fuller Craft Museum is wheelchair accessible.

When the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, they couldn't even imagine the wonderous place Massachusetts would become nor its revered place in American history. Today, the Bay State welcomes wanderers from around the world with open arms and wickedly awesome wheelchair accessible fun.